A look at a Compassion Clinic prayer team member’s favorite moments
What is the goal?
What exactly do we achieve through praying for strangers? At the last clinic in Oregon City, a member of the prayer team had an excellent answer.
“The purpose of prayer is to give someone a positive encounter with God by receiving a blessing at a place of need. That’s what Jesus did. No matter who the person was, it was about them receiving the love, power, and healing He knows is in their hearts.”
-George, Prayer Team Volunteer
Who needs prayer?
Many needs come through the doors of clinics. These are not just medical concerns; they are financial, emotional, and mental too. That’s why our prayer teams and volunteers are in such demand. Many of our guests aren’t surrounded by the constant support and prayer they deserve. Clinics provide the opportunity for these guests to pour out their hearts. By speaking with prayer teams, they can ask for change, forgiveness, or lifting of burdens they face. These dedicated prayer teams volunteer to guide them down God’s path where they can find everyday joy.
During the clinics, George listens to stories of people asking for healing from constant physical pain. He hears cases of depression or anxiety and requests for strength while suffering withdrawals after years of drug abuse. As he shared his experiences the room swelled with his desire to help others. He teared up at every awe-inspiring moment. George shared these memories to emphasize the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He has learned firsthand that it’s never too late for anyone to learn to pray.
Personal interaction
The growth of one man he prayed for in the past has become his favorite testimony to share.
An addict approached him a few years ago because he was experiencing acute withdrawals to prescription pills and felt pain everywhere. He suffered from restlessness, agitation, and severe back trauma. After hearing about his struggle, they prayed together for peace. He was completely delivered of all pain and restlessness. The prayer was completely answered when George met him unexpectedly 2½ years later during a church service. A huge smile came across the man’s face as they spotted each other. He walked over, joy flowing out of him, and with open arms embraced George. George would soon learn that he was still 100% clean and pain-free. In fact, the last few months he spent devoted to leading others out of addiction and towards Jesus.
There is still more to be done
The miracles George has seen directly from prayer keep him committed. He often finds himself in an influential role as a spokesperson for men who have mistreated and disrespected others. George asks for forgiveness on behalf of those men to be a step in the rebuilding process for women and children struggling with difficult histories.
“When you’re able to reach out to others with no agenda and follow the Holy Spirit, that’s what it’s all about – just knowing I am a part of how Jesus touching lives in ways that are meaningful. For me, it’s not another notch on their belt or addition to the trophy case when I help people. With the Spirit of the Lord, there is freedom and no limitations. So I pray and I share testimonies, and He will open doors.”
– George, Prayer Team Volunteer
It’s all about stories
The sincerity in his prayer is highlighted in how much he truly cares for each individual story and wanting to guide them to a path of peace. He remembers every detail and every face of those seeking help. He remembers praying for a volunteer with hyperelasticity, which caused extreme back and leg pain. The volunteer found complete healing in the prayer room. He remembers a young lady in the lunchroom with severe lower back degeneration and knee complications. She was completely restored to a full range of motion and was even able to confront her depression as a result of prayer.
He remembers because he believes in everyone’s purpose in the world. The transformation during clinics reaches beyond treating medical conditions for so many who visit. It’s found in providing the peace people seek through prayer and faith. Even if it isn’t an immediate answer or cure, praying allows the Holy Spirit to work within guests and volunteers. These later answers sometimes seem the most rewarding. A woman cured of blindness in an eye in front of George was just the becoming. She eventually became a spiritual leader supporting orphans of human trafficking by continuing to follow Jesus. All these moments and excitement for witnessing future miracles keep George’s passion alive.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 NIV
